Information on Backpacks
Victor Epand
Packs used for traveling are a bit different from packs used for hiking
-- they tend to be larger, heavier, and sturdier. This is because they
need to withstand being tossed around by airport baggage handlers. They
are often quite large because they have to hold all the travelers
goods. On the other hand, the packs used for hiking can be smaller and
lighter. Backpackers carry less weight than most travelers, and they
handle their packs a lot more gently.
A lot depends on the length of your backpacking trips. A good weekender
pack will probably not work as well for a ten day expedition. Much also
depends on whether you're traveling alone or in a group. When you
travel in a group, each person ends up carrying a bit less weight.
Another factor for longer trips is how frequently you'll be able to
resupply. If you're hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail, it's
pretty easy to get into town from almost any major road crossing, and
you cross major roads every couple of days. On the other hand, if
you're in the middle of the northern Ontario wilderness, resupplying
can pose considerable logistical problems, and you may be forced to
carry a lot more food with you even for shorter trips.
It is also worth your while to discuss your needs with your local
outfitter. Most of the better outfitters can give you excellent advice
-- the folks who work at such places are experienced backpackers who
have actually field tested the stuff they sell. Read the reviews in the
major outdoor magazines, like Backpacker and Outside!
Once you have determined your needs, you can choose from a fairly broad
range of high quality brands. I will give you a short list of the
better brands -- for the most part, these companies categorize there
packs according to type (internal frame vs external frame) and intended
use. Do your research, and then browse through the list.
Word of advice: The packs designed for longer trips (7 - 10 days, e.g.)
are designed to carry all the supplies that you'd need for a trip of
that length. If you'll be able to resupply every 2 or 3 days, then
you'll only need a pack good for 2-3 days.
There are many long-distance hikers who go with ultra light equipment,
carrying no more than 20 lbs in a very light and relatively small pack
(less than a pound, around 2400 cubic inches). But it takes pretty
specialized equipment to go the ultra light route, and it's difficult
to pull it off in cooler weather because of the bulk of the warmer
clothes that you'll need. And even a 2400 cubic inch pack will be
larger than you'll need for most day hikes.
A lot also depends on the kind of day hiking and long weekend trips you
have in mind. A day hike in the White Mountains or the High Peaks of
the Adirondacks will require more equipment than a trip in lower
elevations where you're less likely to run into extremes of weather and
temperature over the course of the day.
Use a small fanny pack for day hikes in the NY-NJ region, but in the
higher elevations of New England and the Adirondacks, use a 2000 cubic
inch pack to carry the warmer clothes you will need as you ascend to
the higher elevations. And for 3-4 day hikes,use a frame pack (6+ lbs,
5000+ cubic inches) and carry enough amenities to make a comfortable
camp. On the other hand, when you are out for 8-10 days of Appalachian
Trail hiking, use a smaller ultra light pack (1.5 lbs, 3400+ cubic
inches) and skimp on some of the camp comforts in favor of making
hiking as comfortable as possible.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for
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